Over the years, Phi Delta Epsilon CA Theta has grown into a bigger, better, and greater chapter. With that said, our older members, the ones who established our fraternity and contributed so much, have since graduated and truly began their pursuit into their respective fields. In this blog segment, Alumni Committee has reached out to one of our graduated members, Yasmin Nadershahi, and asked her what has she done since graduating and to reflect on her experiences in PhiDE.

Since graduating CSUN, I have begun working as a flavor chemist. It is one of the most fun jobs I’ve ever had because it allows me to be creative! As a flavor chemist, I experiment with different chemicals to create formulas for people to consume in beverages/foods. I have also been in touch with CHLA, and I still find ways to contribute to my community.

2. How is it like working for CHLA? What is your position there, and what is required of that position?

Those of PhiDE CA Theta chapter who know me are well aware of my passion for CHLA. As VP of Programming, I tried to create as many fun and social events to fundraise for CHLA. I helped pave the way for us to host our first CHLA Blood Drive, and I hosted our first club event fundraiser. All of the money raised from the club event went directly to CHLA, and it was, by far, one of the biggest fundraisers we’ve ever had.

Working with CHLA is honorable and amazing. I am a founding member of CHLA’s Junior Advisory Board, and I get to work with passionate individuals interested in giving back to the community.

For the future, I would like to continue supporting CHLA and to keep in touch with PhiDE CA Theta!

4. What advice can you give to current members of PhiDE?

My advice to the current members of PhiDE is to ALWAYS work as a team and a family. Help each other out with homework, study in groups, go to places together outside of school and represent your letters on campus! Don’t isolate yourself from others! Have fun with PhiDE!

You only gain what you put in. The more involved you are, the more fun you will have.

5. Do you know of any great opportunities or programs, medically related or not, that current PhiDE members can benefit from or would be interested in?

During my undergraduate years, I shadowed in the Klotz Student Health Center at CSUN. The program I was in is called CASE, which stands for Clinical Access Shadowing Experience. In this program, you experience the basics of working directly with patients and have the opportunity to shadow in the field you are most interested in. I shadowed in the pharmacy, and earned a certificate of completion. If any PhiDE members need help or have questions regarding this program, contact me or call the Klotz center at (818) 677-6328.

Another opportunity I know of is provided by one of our founding members, Kevin Guillen. He has helped create a clinic called Clinica Medica Mi Familia de Palmdale, and is offering a Summer Shadow Program (SSP). For those who care about the community and want to see what it's like to work in a clinic that mainly provides for the underserved, contact Kevin for this awesome opportunity…and tell him Yasmin sent ya! From my understanding, the program is still in development and will encompass the practice of medicine, preventative healthcare through community service, and the business of running a medical practice. At the end of the program you will also earn a certificate of completion.

Yasmin with the PhiDE family.

6. Give us some insight into your contributions and experiences with PhiDE.

My biggest contribution to PhiDE was turning our chapter into one giant family. I wanted to create as many social events so that our chapter could see each other outside of class and meetings. These events allowed us to get to know each other better and make our bonds stronger.

I think the event that brought everyone together the closest happened the year I hyped everyone to go to the 2010 PhiDE Winterball. That event is one of the best memories I have of PhiDE. We were THE biggest, united chapter, and WE brought the party to the ball! I remember thinking, "I wish we could all go together…how about a limo?!" So, we also became the first chapter to roll up in a limo!

As I mentioned previously, I put together our first club event, which we hosted at Kress in Hollywood. This event became one of the largest fundraising events we've ever held for CHLA. We raised, approximately, $1,300. I also helped pave the way for us to host our first Blood Drive with CHLA.

While serving as Associated Students (A.S.) Senator for the College of Science and Math Seat 1, I served as a liaison between A.S. and PhiDE. This position helped me find many opportunities for PhiDE to join and become more involved and recognized on campus. For example, I signed the fraternity up for our first, on-campus Earth Day event, which was hosted by A.S.

My experience in PhiDE was great and will always be special to me!

Yasmin helping out at PhiDE’s first Earth Day event with A.S.

7. What did you learn/gain from being in PhiDE?

PhiDE helped me find myself and realize what direction I wanted to take with my degree. I will always support those who aim to pursue careers in any professional healthcare settings, as well as those who have decided to go down another path. PhiDE is a growing and learning experience with a variety of individuals. We started as a family at CSUN and hopefully it will continue to flourish in this way.

8. What is the one thing you love most about PhiDE?

All of the friends that I’ve made that have turned into family, and that special bond between us that exists even after graduating.

9. How do you think CSUN’s PhiDE chapter can improve?

I think CSUN’s PhiDE chapter has been very visible amongst all of the PhiDE chapters. However, I think that CSUN’s PhiDE’s visibility to the rest of the campus and community can be improved. The chapter ought to be more involved with other organizations on campus and host more events for us alumni to join! =)

Yasmin, thank you for your valuable insight and experiences with Phi Delta Epsilon. The entire fraternity has benefitted from hearing you. We wish you the best of luck in all of your endeavors, and we hope to see you at our events!

This interview was conducted by Melissa Vallin, Phi Delta Epsilon’s Alumni Committee chair. If you are a past Phi Delta Epsilon member who would like to be interviewed, please contact Melissa at melissavallin@hotmail.com. Thank you.